Question

which of the following aided the new republican party to win the presidency in 1860?

the split in the democratic party into northern and southern factions
republican candidate john c. breckinridges personal appeal
the republican victory in the states of new jersey and missouri
the broad republican appeal in the slaveholding south

Explanation:

Analyze the historical context of the election

The question asks what aided the newly formed Republican Party in winning the presidency in 1860. This relates directly to the Republican Party Origins and the critical Election of 1860.

Evaluate the Democratic Party split

In 1860, the Democratic Party split over the issue of slavery expansion. Northern Democrats nominated Stephen A. Douglas, while Southern Democrats nominated John C. Breckinridge. This division fractured the Democratic vote, making it much easier for the Republican nominee, Abraham Lincoln, to secure an Electoral College majority by winning the populous Northern states.

Assess the incorrect options

• John C. Breckinridge was the Southern Democratic candidate, not a Republican.
• Abraham Lincoln did not win New Jersey (which split its electoral votes) or Missouri (won by Stephen A. Douglas).
• The Republican Party had virtually no appeal or presence in the slaveholding South, where Lincoln was not even on the ballot in most states.

Answer:

• (A) The split in the Democratic Party into northern and southern factions (Correct answer)
• (B) Republican candidate John C. Breckinridge's personal appeal
• (C) The Republican victory in the states of New Jersey and Missouri
• (D) The broad Republican appeal in the slaveholding South